The Real Skinny Latte

Anybody else notice that the lady in the green Starbucks logo is looking a little bloaty?... Coffee is a glorious elixir, but half of the drinks on the menu look like milkshakes these days. If you're anything like me, you may be inclined to feed your caffeine addiction with something high in energy, but low in obesity. Hence the "skinny latte" sounds like an appropriate compromise... The problem is that the skinny latte really isn't all that "skinny."

“Skinny latte” usually means espresso + nonfat milk + possibly sugar free syrup (ie sugar-free vanilla). While this drink is probably not going to rival the ill effects of its diabetic frappuccino cousin, it’s also not doing you any favors.

Here's the quick breakdown:

• Espresso:

Espresso has negligible calories and is not the problem.

• Nonfat Milk:

Nonfat milk may be low in calories, but it's also highly insulinogenic (spiked by dairy proteins and lactose sugars). In terms of gaining unwanted bodyfat, the amount of calories (energy) a person consumes at any time CAN matter, but it's only a part of the issue. Fat storage is a hormonal process and the TYPES of food you eat will determine how you metabolize energy. Insulin is a specific metabolic hormone secreted by the pancreas that among other things, acts to store nutrients in cells (including triglycerides into fat cells). One of the ways we can reduce the need for insulin, is to cut out the carbs/sugars and actually include dietary fat in a meal.

• Sugar-free Syrup:

Whether or not artificial sugars are healthier than regular sugars is a messy debate. While some accusations on fake sugars appear to be unfounded, there are legit concerns that they cause (links):
1) Greater spikes in insulin
2) Gut Inflammation
3) Changes in our brain’s ability to gauge calorie consumption leading to increases in food intake

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The Real Skinny Latte(s):

Perhaps by now you're asking wtf CAN I add to my coffee? Well, technically your first option is to man-up and drink your espresso with a side of black nothingness... But if that’s too bitter, the best "skinny" alternative is actually :
Espresso + a light splash of heavy cream (as in heavy whipping cream, not whipped cream).

If you are worried about the fat content; don't. “Fatty food” and  “fattening food” are not synonymous. This beverage has no carbs, no extra insulin release, and is still low in calories. Also, as an added bonus: caffeine is more lipid soluble than water soluble so you get a stronger jolt.

If you're not brave enough for heavy cream yet, you can opt for:
Unsweetened coconut milk
Unsweetened almond milk
The corporate coffee giants don't usually carry these, but your trendy local hipster spot may. Good luck.

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GIFSoup

References and Further Reading:
Video on Insulin:
http://eatingacademy.com/nutrition/the-insulin-response-video
Artificial Sugars
Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal p-glycoprotein and cytochrome p-450 in male rats.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18800291
Sucralose affects glycemic and hormonal responses to an oral glucose load.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23633524/
Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892765/